check engine NISSAN MAXIMA 1998 A32 / 4.G Owner's Guide

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day-to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives the
proper maintenance care. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. It is your responsibility to perform
these procedures regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance:
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.However, under severe driving conditions, ad-
ditional or more frequent maintenance will be
required.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and tuned by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to work
on NISSAN's vehiclesbeforethey work on
your vehicle, rather than after they have
worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN deal-
er's service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle Ð in a reliable and economic way.9-2
Maintenance
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During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge pe-
riodically when at a service station, including
the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure
if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*:When checking the tires, makesure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*:Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers:Make sure that
all warning lights and buzzers are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
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Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure tokeep floor mats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only
the parking brake is applied.
Automatic transaxle P (Park) position
mechanism:Check that the brake pedal must
be depressed for the selector lever to be
moved from the P (Park) position. On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held se-
curely with the selector lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, dete-
rioration or loose connections.Brake and clutch fluid levels*:Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level
spot and turning off the engine. Be sure to wait
a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back into
the sump.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transaxle fluid level*:Check the
level on the dipstick after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) position with the engine idling.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it.
9-4
Maintenance
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EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Emission control system
maintenanceDrive belts*:Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter:Under normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines:Check EVAP vapor lines
and connections for failure or looseness. If
leaks are found, replace them.
Fuel lines:Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.Fuel filter:If the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filter
might become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*:Drain and flush the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*:Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*:Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance:Check the
valve clearance if valve noise increases.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cables:Check the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.Brake pads & discs:Check these and the
other neighboring brake components for wear,
deterioration and leaks. Under severe driving
conditions, they may have to be inspected
more frequently.
Manual & automatic transaxle fluid*:Check
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs of
leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil should
be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts, and drive shaft boots:Check for dam-
age, looseness and leakage of oil or grease.
Under severe driving conditions, more fre-
quent inspection should be performed.
Exhaust system:Visually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
Supplemental air bag, and supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) systems:Main-
tenance for the supplemental air bags or
supplemental side air bags should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-10
Maintenance
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to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. NISSAN recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) certification mark on thefront of the container should be used. This type
of oil supersedes the existing API SG or SH
and Energy Conserving II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the certifica-
tion mark, an API SG or SH and Energy
Conserving II oil with API service symbol may
be used. An oil with a single designation SG or
SH, or in combination with other categories
(for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also be
used if one with the API certification mark
cannot be found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must
however, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
STI0077
10-4
Technical and consumer information
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11 Index
A
ABS ................................................................. 5-18
Adjusting the time ........................................... 2-25
Adjustment
Front manual seat ....................................... 1-2
Front power seat ......................................... 1-4
Head restraint .............................................. 1-5
Shoulder belt ............................................. 1-22
Air bag
System....................................................... 1-12
System, Side ............................................. 1-13
Warning label ............................................ 1-15
Warning light ...................................... 1-15, 2-8
Air cleaner....................................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Automatic..................................................... 4-9
Manual ......................................................... 4-3
Operation, Manual ....................................... 4-5
Servicing .................................................... 4-12
Specification label ................................... 10-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-6
Aluminum alloy wheels, Cleaning ..................... 7-4
Anchor point location, Top strap..................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-25
Anti-freeze, Cold weather ............................... 5-19
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-18Appearance care
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-6
Ashtray ............................................................ 2-19
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Operation, Air conditioner ......................... 4-10
Sunroof, Operation .................................... 2-24
Transaxle fluid ........................................... 8-10
Transmission, Driving .................................. 5-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
Maintenance .............................................. 8-14
Replacement, Multi-remote control ............. 3-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-6
Belt
Drive .......................................................... 8-15
Extender, Seat........................................... 1-25
Height adjustment, Shoulder ..................... 1-22
Maintenance, Seat .................................... 1-25
Seat ........................................................... 1-17
Brake
Booster ...................................................... 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12Parking ...................................................... 5-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-20
System....................................................... 5-17
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-14
Bulb
Checking...................................................... 2-7
Indicator ....................................................... 2-9
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Warning light ............................................... 2-7
Buzzer ............................................................. 2-11
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricant .. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Carbon monoxide, Exhaust gas ....................... 5-2
Cassette tape player operation....................... 4-15
Cassette tape player operation, with compact disc
(CD) player type ............................................. 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-2
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-25
Ceiling light ..................................................... 2-25
Certification label, F.M.V.S.S. ....................... 10-10
Chain, Tire ...................................................... 8-33
Changing
A flat tire ...................................................... 6-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-6
Engine oil..................................................... 8-9
Engine oil filter........................................... 8-10
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Tire and wheel........................................... 8-33
Checking
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Bulb ............................................................. 2-7
Engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Engine oil level ............................................ 8-8
Parking brake ............................................ 8-20
Seat belt operation, Three-point ............... 1-21
Child restraint.................................................. 1-25
Installation on front seat ............................ 1-35
Installation on rear seat center ................. 1-27
Installation on rear seat outboard ............. 1-30
Precaution ................................................. 1-25
Top strap ................................................... 1-34
Child safety
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-4
Seat belt .................................................... 1-18
Chrome parts, Cleaning .................................... 7-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-19
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaner, Air ..................................................... 8-18
Cleaning
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Adjusting .................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-19
Compact disc (CD)
Player operation ........................................ 4-23
Player operation, with cassette player
type ............................................................ 4-23Console box .................................................... 2-22
Controls, Heater and manual air conditioner.... 4-3
Cooling system, Engine .................................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-12
Operation ................................................... 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-21
D
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror............................................................... 2-14
Dimensions and weights, Vehicle ................... 10-8
Door .................................................................. 3-2
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 5-3
Drive belt......................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
On snow or ice .......................................... 5-20
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
The vehicle .................................................. 5-7
Drugs ................................................................ 5-3
EEconomy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control
Information label ...................................... 10-10
System warranty...................................... 10-18
Engine
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Compartment check location....................... 8-4
Coolant heater ........................................... 5-21Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Cooling system ............................................ 8-5
Oil ................................................................ 8-8
Oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 10-4
Overheat ...................................................... 6-9
Serial number .......................................... 10-10
Specifications ............................................ 10-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .......... 9-3, 9-10
Exterior and interior light, Replacement ......... 8-26
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-10
Fastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-20
Two-point ................................................... 1-23
Filling, Fuel filler lid ......................................... 3-11
Filter, Air ......................................................... 8-18
Flasher switch, Hazard warning ..................... 2-17
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mats, Cleaning ........................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transaxle ................................... 8-10
Brake ......................................................... 8-12
Engine ......................................................... 8-8
Power steering .......................................... 8-12
Window washer ......................................... 8-13
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-16
Front
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-16
Interior light................................................ 2-26
Manual seat adjustment .............................. 1-2
Power seat adjustment................................ 1-4
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